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Modulation of the refractive index in a medium by external stimuli enables fast and reversible control of light propagation. This technology for controlling light has led to new discoveries in a wide range of research fields from physics to life sciences and has played a major role in the development of photonics devices. In this article, we focus on ultrasound as an external stimulus and have devised a method to control the refractive index of a medium using ultrasound. Our research group has previously discovered that a giant refractive-index gradient (Δn on the order of 10−2) was induced when water was irradiated with high-frequency (100 MHz range), high-intensity (on the order of MPa) ultrasound. Here, we report ray-tracing simulations in a medium with a refractive-index gradient induced by ultrasonic radiation. A numerical model of the refractive-index gradient was developed based on the experimental data, and ray-tracing simulations were performed using the Euler–Lagrange equation. The ray-tracing simulation results were close numerically to the profiles of the laser beam observed in the experiment when the laser beam was incident on the refractive-index-gradient medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the change in the sense of food safety over time, from 2 years before to 8 years after the Fukushima accident in 2011, and its association with social connectedness using cohort data, taking into account regional differences in Fukushima Prefecture. Repeated cross-sectional data from Fukushima Prefectural Government from 2009 to 2018 were used. We randomly selected 1300 people every fiscal year (FY). The survey gathered data on age, gender, occupation, residential region, and the explanatory variables 'sense of social connectedness' and 'recovery-related information source' (information source). The prefecture was divided into three regions for the survey—Hamadori region, where the nuclear power plant is located, Nakadori region, where the air dose rate after the earthquake was high, and in Aizu, far from the nuclear power station but has suffered from harmful rumors. Focusing on FY 2014, when the sense of safety first showed recovery, we performed a binominal logistic regression analysis with 'sense of safety' as the outcome and 'sense of social connectedness' and 'information source' as the explanatory variables. The sense of safety significantly decreased in all regions in 2011 relative to earlier years. The sense of food safety decreased markedly in Hamadori and Nakadori but started to improve 3 years after the earthquake and reached the pre-earthquake level in 2018. The effect sizes were larger in the Hamadori region and in Nakadori than in Aizu. In FY 2014, multivariate analysis found that a sense of food safety was significantly positively associated with a sense of social connectedness, whereas the use of information from newspapers and TV and word of mouth was negatively associated. Although the recovery of a sense of food safety may take some time, a focus on social connectedness during recovery and scrutiny of information sources may facilitate recovery. Health communication has an important role when the provider sends information intelligibly and the recipient can distinguish good news from bad and link it to self-determination. It is necessary to improve literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical tropospheric responses to a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event that occurred over Antarctica in September 2019 have been investigated by conducting a series of ensemble forecast experiments. Comparative examinations between the normal forecast and the partially nudged forecast, whose stratospheric circulation is constrained to a reanalysis, reveal a significant enhancement/suppression in the convective activity (upwelling/downwelling) over the northern/southern part of the tropics. Such an acceleration of the Hadley circulation is set up by thermal structural changes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The tropical cooling caused by the enhanced Brewer‐Dobson circulation destabilizes the environment there and stimulates deep cumulus convections. In this case, the southern area of the Asian monsoon region is particularly sensitive. Although details of the triggered response depend on the adopted cumulus parameterization scheme, a boosting tendency of the convective upwelling via the SSW is robust. Plain Language Summary: A rare Antarctic sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event that occurred in September 2019 provides an opportunity to investigate its impact on convective activity in the tropics. By comparing the normal forecast and a "perfect stratosphere" forecast, this study confirmed the robust influence of the SSW on the cumulus convection over the Northern Hemisphere tropics. In other words, the Antarctic SSW could enhance the probability of extreme weather in boreal summer to early autumn, including the genesis and development of tropical cyclones. Therefore, this process of the teleconnection between the Antarctic stratosphere and the tropical troposphere has the potential to be a valuable source of extended‐range predictability in practical seasonal forecasts. Key Points: Enhancement in the tropical convective activity during the 2019 Antarctic sudden warming is confirmed by ensemble nudging integrationsEnhanced Brewer‐Dobson circulation is linked to Hadley cells via thermal structure changes in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphereFor certain parameterizations, the large stratospheric effect is observed in cumulus convections at the south of the Asian monsoon zone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observational impacts of satellite data assimilation on extended‐range forecasts of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are investigated by conducting ensemble forecast experiments. We use two Japanese novel reanalysis products: the Japanese 55‐year reanalysis (JRA‐55) and its subset that assimilates conventional observations only (JRA‐55C). A comparative examination on the reproducibility for SSWs between the two ensemble forecasts reveals that the impact of satellite observations is significant for forecasts starting 5 days before the SSW onset, with 20% less accuracy in the JRA‐55C forecasts. Moreover, some of forecasts of vortex‐splitting SSWs show a sudden appearance of deep difference, which lasts over a few months in the lower stratosphere and significantly affects the surface climate. These results highlight an important role of mesospheric and upper stratospheric circulations on the onset and development of SSWs. Plain Language Summary: Satellite observations are valuable for producing initial conditions for numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems, especially over the upper stratosphere that typical upper‐air observations cannot cover. However, many NWP models suffer from biases associated with unresolved processes. This study explores how the NWP system benefited from satellite data in forecasting the breakdown events of stratospheric polar vortexes/sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) by making many forecasts from typical initial conditions, both with and without satellite data. Due to unresolved bias over the upper stratosphere, some forecasts from no‐satellite initial conditions miss the onset of SSWs and subsequent anomalous tropospheric conditions. Thus, the deteriorated grasp of the upper atmosphere in the absence of satellite observations degrades the deterministic predictability of extreme stratospheric events and following downward‐propagating signals. Key Points: Mesospheric and upper stratospheric initial conditions play an important role in forecasting the onset and development of sudden warmingsThe 5‐day lead capture rate of the onset of major sudden stratospheric warmings degrades about 20% if satellite data are not assimilatedThe absence of satellite observations could also affect the extended‐range forecast skill related to downward‐propagating signals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a reversal theory framework to examine motivational dominance and changes in motivational state, arousal, stress, and emotions among members of traditional Japanese (Nihon Odori Sports Science (NOSS)) and New Zealand (Kapa Haka) dance groups. Eighty-four participants (50 in Japan and 34 in New Zealand) completed questionnaires on each variable before and after a dance class. The findings indicated that the Kapa Haka dancers were significantly more playful and arousalseeking than the NOSS dancers. They also reported higher overall arousal, preferred arousal, and effort during performance while the NOSS dancers became more serious afterward. Data on emotions matched those of arousal in that the Kapa Haka dancers felt significantly more excited and provocative after the session. The NOSS dancers were more relaxed and placid, both overall and after dancing. These patterns were consistent with the dancers' respective motivational states and motivational dominance, and suggest that both dances can be effective in reducing negative affect. They also suggest that psychological effects are dependent upon performers' personal and cultural affiliation with the two dance forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observed three γ -ray bursts related to thunderclouds in winter using the prototype of anti-neutrino detector PANDA made of 360-kg plastic scintillator deployed at Ohi Power Station at the coastal area of the Japan Sea. The maximum rate of the events which deposited the energy higher than 3 MeV was ( 5.5 ± 0.1 ) × 10 2 /s . Monte Carlo simulation showed that electrons with approximately monochromatic energy falling downwards from altitudes of order 100 m roughly produced the observed total energy spectra of the bursts. It is supposed that secondary cosmic-ray electrons, which act as seed, were accelerated in electric field of thunderclouds and multiplied by relativistic runaway electron avalanche. We actually found that the γ -rays of the bursts entered into the detector from the direction close to the zenith. The direction stayed constant during the burst within the detector resolution. In addition, taking advantage of the delayed coincidence detection of the detector, we found neutron events in one of the bursts at the maximum rate of ∼ 14 ± 5 /s . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We developed a segmented reactor-antineutrino detector made of plastic scintillators for application as a tool in nuclear safeguards inspection and performed mostly unmanned field operations at a commercial power plant reactor. At a position outside the reactor building, we measured the difference in reactor antineutrino flux above the ground when the reactor was active and inactive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We propose a new type segmented antineutrino detector made of plastic scintillators for the nuclear safeguard application. A small prototype was built and tested to measure background events. A satisfactory unmanned field operation of the detector system was demonstrated. Besides, a detailed Monte Carlo simulation code was developed to estimate the antineutrino detection efficiency of the detector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We study the distinction between giant vortex states and multivortex states in a thin mesoscopic superconducting square by using the temperature dependence of the vortex expulsion fields. We find that the results agree well with those obtained from the multiple-small-tunnel-junction method, indicating that the distinction by the temperature dependence of the vortex expulsion fields is applicable to superconducting squares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of transgenes into the genome of wild soybean is a concern when transgenic and wild soybeans are planted sympatrically. The objectives of this study were to investigate the origin and fate of morphological intermediates between wild and cultivated soybeans in their natural habitats in Japan. Twenty nuclear microsatellite and two chloroplast dCAPS markers were used to evaluate genetic variation of 468 wild, 17 intermediate, and 12 cultivated soybean samples collected from six sites between 2003 and 2006. Allelic differentiation of microsatellite markers between wild and cultivated soybeans was sufficient to detect their hybrids. Based on levels of observed heterozygosity, intermediate soybean plants were from two generations: either F1 or an early segregating generation. Genetic admixture analysis and parentage assignment analysis revealed that the parents of all intermediate soybean plants could be assigned to a particular wild soybean plant and late-maturing cultivar. The chloroplast DNA haplotypes revealed that all intermediate soybean plants originated from gene flow from cultivated to wild soybeans at all sites. Based on monitoring at both the phenotypic and molecular levels, hybrids quickly disappeared from natural habitats, and secondary gene flow from these plants to wild soybean was not detected. Thus, while gene flow from transgenic soybean into wild soybean can occur, gene introgression appears to be rare in natural habitats in Japan. This is the first report on the detection of gene flow from cultivated to wild soybean at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims : To identify the role of mucus core protein (MUC) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods and results : We examined the expression profile of MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 by immunohistochemical staining in 100 ICCs and compared the clinicopathological factors and the immunohistochemical results. The expression frequency was: MUC2, 9%; MUC5AC, 40%; and MUC6, 21%. According to the gastric mucin expression profile, ICCs were classified into the following groups: null type ( n = 43), gastric foveolar type ( n = 36), pyloric gland type ( n = 11) and gastric combined type ( n = 10). Half of the gastric foveolar type and the gastric combined type were located in the hilar region, but the other types were predominant at the periphery ( P = 0.0004). Well-differentiated components were more often detected in the gastric combined type and the pyloric gland type ( P = 0.0281). The gastric foveolar type was associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.0001). The pyloric gland type was associated with better survival and the gastric foveolar type was associated with worse survival. The gastric mucin phenotype was an independent prognostic factor by multivariate survival analysis. Conclusion : The gastric foveolar type of ICC was more often associated with aggressive tumour development, whereas the pyloric gland type exhibited less aggressive behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objectives were to determine aspects of the population dynamics relevant to effective monitoring of gene flow in the soybean crop complex in Japan. Using 20 microsatellite primers, 616 individuals from 77 wild soybean ( Glycine soja) populations were analysed. All samples were of small seed size (< 0.03 g), were directly collected in the field and came from all parts of Japan where wild soybeans grow, except Hokkaido. Japanese wild soybean showed significant reduction in observed heterozygosity, low outcrossing rate (mean 3.4%) and strong genetic differentiation among populations. However, the individual assignment test revealed evidence of rare long-distance seed dispersal (> 10 km) events among populations, and spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that populations within a radius of 100 km showed a close genetic relationship to one another. When analysis of graphical ordination was applied to compare the microsatellite variation of wild soybean with that of 53 widely grown Japanese varieties of cultivated soybean ( Glycine max), the primary factor of genetic differentiation was based on differences between wild and cultivated soybeans and the secondary factor was geographical differentiation of wild soybean populations. Admixture analysis revealed that 6.8% of individuals appear to show introgression from cultivated soybeans. These results indicated that population genetic structure of Japanese wild soybean is (i) strongly affected by the founder effect due to seed dispersal and inbreeding strategy, (ii) generally well differentiated from cultivated soybean, but (iii) introgression from cultivated soybean occurs. The implications of the results for the release of transgenic soybeans where wild soybeans grow are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most aphasia therapists appear to assume that people with aphasia undergo psychological distress that is associated with communication problems. However, the relationship between aphasia and psychological status has not been sufficiently investigated.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between verbal communication and psychological status in people with aphasia.Methods & Procedure: A total of 25 people with aphasia were assessed by the Observational Profile of Communication (OPC), the Questionnaire of Verbal Communication (QVC), and the Standard Language Test of Aphasia (SLTA). Two items of the OPC--Interpersonal Attitude and Emotional State--were used as measures of psychological status. Two domains of the QVC--Receptive Ability and Expressive Ability--were used as measures of verbal communication activity. The overall scoring system of the SLTA was used to rate the severity of aphasia. Correlations were calculated between the OPC and other variables, namely, Receptive Ability, Expressive Ability, the SLTA, age, and time since onset. The group effects of gender and aphasia type were examined.Outcome & Results: Interpersonal Attitude had a moderate and significant correlation with Receptive Ability, but not with Expressive Ability, the SLTA, age, and time since onset. Emotional State had moderate and significant correlations with the SLTA and time since onset, but not with Receptive Ability, Expressive Ability, and age. Gender and aphasia type did not have a significant relationship with the measures of psychological status.Conclusions: The relationship between verbal communication and psychological status was not straightforward in this small exploratory study. The severity of the communication problem in aphasic people does not necessarily appear to relate to psychological status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the performance of coherent, differential and differential unitary space-time block codes operating over spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels with up to four transmit antennas. It is shown that, when operating over spatially correlated channels, the relative performance of all candidate codes is improved when the number of transmit antennas is kept low. Improved performance is also observed when differential STBC are used compared to coherent STBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nur-related factor 1 (Nurr1), nerve growth factor-induced gene B (NGFI-B) and neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (NOR-1) constitute the orphan nuclear receptor subfamily of transcription factors. Previous studies showed that midbrain dopaminergic neuronal precursor cells failed to differentiate in Nurr1-deficient mice. To investigate a role of Nurr1 in human neuronal function, Nurr1 mRNA expression was studied in human neural cell lines by RT-PCR and northern blot analysis. Nurr1, NGFI-B and NOR-1 mRNA were coexpressed in all human neural and non-neural cell lines under the serum-containing culture condition, except for SK-N-SH neuroblastoma, in which Nurr1 mRNA was undetectable. The levels of Nurr1, NGFI-B and NOR-1 mRNA were elevated markedly in NTera2 teratocarcinoma-derived neurons (NTera2-N), a model of differentiated human neurons, following a 1.5 or 3 h-exposure to 1 mm dibutyryl cyclic AMP or 100 nm phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. NGFI-B mRNA levels were also elevated in NTera2-N cells by exposure to 100 ng/mL brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). To identify Nurr1-target genes, the mRNA expression of 27 genes potentially involved in dopaminergic neuronal differentiation and survival, including BDNF, glia-derived neurotrophic factor, their receptors, tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein, were studied in HEK293 cells following overexpression of Nurr1. None of these genes examined, however, showed significant changes. These results indicate that Nurr1, NGFI-B and NOR-1 mRNA are expressed constitutively in various human neural and non-neural cell lines under the serum-containing culture condition, and their levels are up-regulated in human neurons by activation of protein kinase A or protein kinase C pathway, although putative coactivators expressed in dopaminergic neuronal precursor cells might be required for efficient transcriptional activation of Nurr1-target genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The background of the development of the two kinds of reusable high-performance engine is described. One of these two is the regeneratively cooled 1200 N thrust engine composed of two kinds of ZrO2/Ni functionally graded materials (FGMs) chambers. This engine is a promising candidate for the future Japanese orbiting maneuvering system (OMS) engine of the H-II orbiting plane (HOPE). The other one is the reaction control system (RCS) engine which may also be used compatibly with HOPE. Developed RCS chambers are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon matrix (C/C) composites coated with SiC FGMs.In the first stage of the development of the ZrO2/Ni FGMs chamber, durability tests using a ZrO2 (24.5 vol%)/Ni (75.5 vol%) FGMs chamber were performed to inspect the damage of the thermal coating layer and to evaluate the engine performance after a total of 260 firing tests. In the second stage, a combustion chamber having a compositional profile of perfect ZrO2/Ni FGMs was used in the high-altitude performance tests (HAPT).Firing tests for the C/C–SiC FGMs chamber developed in the first stage were performed at sea level. In this test series, microcracks and penetration of the combustion gases were observed especially at the surface of the nozzle throat section after 382 cycle tests. In the next stage of developing C/C–SiC FGMs chamber (expansion area ratio of 30:1), it was shown that coating with FGMs seemed to effectively prevent the delamination of the SiC coating after 693 cycles under the conditions of Pc=1.0 MPa, MR=1.65 and with an injector film cooling rate of 17%, over a total firing time of 2000 s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nogo is a novel myelin-associated inhibitor of neurite outgrowth which regulates stable neuronal connections during axonal regeneration following injury in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Because cytokines and neurotrophic factors play a key role in inflammation-related axonal regeneration, we investigated: (i) the constitutive expression of Nogo and the Nogo receptor (NgR) mRNA in human neural cell lines; (ii) Nogo and NgR mRNA levels in the NTera2 human teratocarcinoma cell line during retinoic acid (RA)-induced neuronal differentiation; and (iii) their regulation in NTera2-derived differentiated neurones (NTera2-N) after exposure to a battery of cytokines and growth factors potentially produced by activated glial cells at post-traumatic inflammatory lesions in the CNS. By reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, the constitutive expression of Nogo-A, the longest isoform of three distinct Nogo transcripts and NgR mRNA was identified in a wide variety of human neural and non-neural cell lines. By Northern blot analysis, the levels of Nogo-A mRNA were elevated markedly in NTera2 cells following RA-induced neuronal differentiation, accompanied by an increased expression of the neurite growth-associated protein GAP-43 mRNA. In contrast, Nogo-A, Nogo-B, NgR and GAP-43 mRNA levels were unaltered in NTera2-N cells by exposure to basic fibroblast growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glia-derived neurotrophic factor, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, dibutyryl cyclic AMP or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. These results indicate that both Nogo-A and NgR mRNA are coexpressed in various human cell types, including differentiated neurones, where their expression is unaffected by exposure to a panel of cytokines and neurotrophic factors which might be involved in inflammation-related axonal regeneration in the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a novel protein-interaction partner of α-synuclein, designated synphilin-1, is identified as a constituent of Lewy bodies (LB) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) brains. To investigate an involvement of genetic variations of synphilin-1 in development of sporadic PD, a possible single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of T131C corresponding to a valine (Val) to alanine (Ala) substitution at codon 44 in exon 3 of the synphilin-1 gene was studied in a Japanese population of 55 patients with sporadic PD and 61 patients with non-PD by direct sequencing analysis. All 116 subjects showed a homozygosity of Val at codon 44 in the synphilin-1 gene, suggesting that this SNP is unlikely to affect genetic susceptibility to sporadic PD in the Japanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicastrin acts as a key regulator for presenilin (PS)-mediated γ-secretase cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein by forming a functional complex with PS1 and PS2. Both TNF-α and IL-1, aberrantly produced by activated microglia and astrocytes, play a role in amyloidogenesis and neurodegeneration in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, while BDNF synthesized chiefly by neurons has been found to be substantially reduced in AD brains. To investigate the constitutive and cytokine/neurotrophic factor-regulated expression of nicastrin in human neural cells, its mRNA levels were studied by RT-PCR and northern blot analysis in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells, U-373MG astrocytoma cells, and NTera2 teratocarcinoma-derived differentiated neurons (NTera2-N) following exposure to TNF-α, IL-1β, BDNF, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Nicastrin mRNA expression was identified in all human neural and non-neural cell lines and tissues examined. The levels of nicastrin mRNA, however, were unaltered in SK-N-SH, IMR-32, U-373MG, and NTera2-N cells by exposure to the factors tested, and unchanged in NTera2 cells during retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation. These results indicate that nicastrin mRNA is expressed constitutively in human neural cell lines, where its expression is not regulated at the transcriptional level by a battery of cytokines and growth/differentiation factors which are supposed to be involved in amyloidogenesis, neurodegeneration or neuroprotection in AD brains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysfunction of the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway contributes to progressive accumulation of ubiquitinated protein inclusions in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), alternatively designated protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), is a neural deubiquitinating enzyme which is identified as a principal constituent of Lewy bodies. To clarify the regulatory mechanism of UCH-L1 expression in human neural cells, we studied the constitutive, cytokine/neurotrophic factor-regulated, and heat stress-induced expression of UCH-L1 in cultured human neural cell lines by Western blot analysis. The constitutive expression of UCH-L1 was identified in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells, U-373MG astrocytoma cells, and NTera2 teratocarcinoma-derived differentiated neurones (NTera2-N). The levels of UCH-L1 expression were unaltered in these cell lines following treatment with TNF-α, IL-1β, BDNF, GDNF, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and remained unchanged by exposure to heat stress. In contrast, its levels were elevated substantially in NTera2 teratocarcinoma cells following retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation, accompanied with an increased expression of α-synuclein and synaptophysin. These results indicate that UCH-L1 is expressed constitutively in human neual cell lines, where it is upregulated following induction of neuronal differentiation, but unaffected by exposure to heat stress, cytokines, or growth/differentiation factors which are supposed to be invloved in the nigral neuronal death and survival in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the correlation between methionine polymorphism and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). Regulation of the catecholaminergic neurotransmitter metabolism and production of neurotoxins; Impact of mutagenic substrates on cellular DNA synthesis; Determination of the allele and genotype frequencies of PD.

Abstract: In order to gain insight into the gating mechanisms of Na[sup +] channels, in particular their inactivation mechanisms, we studied the structures of the Na[sup +] channel inactivation gate related peptide which includes the IFM (Ile-Phe-Met) motif (Ac-KKKFGGQDIFMTEEQKK-NH[sub 2]; K1480–K1496 in rat brain type-IIA Na[sup +] channels, MP-3A) and its F/Q(Gln) substituted one (MP-4A) in trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles using circular dichroism (CD) and [sup 1]H-NMR spectroscopies. Based on observed nuclear Overhauser effect constraints, three-dimensional structures of MP-3A and MP-4A were determined using simulated annealing molecular dynamics/energy minimization calculations. In TFE solutions, no appreciable differences in the structure were observed using either CD or NMR spectra. In SDS micelles, however, the two peptides exhibited definitely different structures from each other. It was found that in MP-3A, residues I1488 and T1491 were spatially proximate with each other owing to hydrogen bonding between the amide proton of I1488 and the hydroxyl oxygen atom of T1491, whereas in MP-4A, F/Q substitution separated them owing to conformational changes. The solvent-accessible surfaces calculated for the structures of MP-3A and MP-4A showed that the former has a smoother interaction surface to the hydrophobic docking site than the latter. In conclusion, the conformational changes, as well as decreased hydrophobicity around the IFM motif owing to the F/Q mutation, may be one reason why F1489Q mutated channels cannot inactivate almost completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Catenin acts as a key mediator of the Wnt/Wingless signaling pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Recent studies have shown that an unstable interaction between β-catenin and the mutant presenilin-1 induces neuronal apoptosis, and that β-catenin levels are decreased in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since activated microglia and astrocytes play a role in the process of neuronal degeneration in AD, the cytokine/growth factor-regulated expression of β-catenin in human neural cell lines, including NTera2 teratocarcinoma-derived differentiated neurons (NTera2-N), IMR-32 neuroblastoma, SKN-SH neuroblastoma and U-373MG astrocytoma, was studied quantitatively following exposure to epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) (dbcAMP) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). β-Catenin mRNA expressed constitutively in all of these cell lines was unaffected by treatment with any factors examined. In contrast, β-catenin protein levels were reduced markedly in NTera2-N cells by exposure to dbcAMP, EGF or bFGF, and in U-373MG cells by treatment with dbcAMP or PMA, but were unaffected in any cell lines by BDNF, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ or TGF-β1. These results indicate that β-catenin is expressed constitutively in human neural cells and downregulated at a protein level by a set of growth factors in a cell type-specific manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 35-year-old man with Down's syndrome showed epileptic falling spells. He had suffered from a traumatic right-sided epidural haematoma 3 years before. It had been neurosurgically treated, but MRI taken 5 days later had revealed a small contracoup contusion at the left temporal lobe. His falling spell was a brief tonic seizure without disturbance of consciousness. Background activities of EEG consisted of slow alpha waves interspersed with sporadic theta waves and the amplitude at the left temporal area was lower than the opposite one. Interictal EEG showed sharp waves or sharp and slow wave complexes predominantly at the right temporo-centro-parietal area as well as diffuse, though predominantly at frontal areas, bursts of slow waves with high amplitude. The EEG suggested focal epileptic activities evolving into secondary generalization. SPECT of the brain showed the hypoperfusion at the left temporal area and at the right posterotemporo-parietal area, where the hypoperfusion was somewhat reduced after the improvement of seizures. Seizures were well controlled with phenytoin combined with phenobarbital. The incidence of epilepsy in the Down's syndrome has been reported to increase after the middle age in association with the development of Alzheimer's neuropathology. When those people would sustain head injuries, it was necessary to follow carefully using SPECT and EEG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At fertilization, mammalian sperm has to undergo morphological changes of acrosome, namely acrosome reaction (AR), during which a dramatic increase of cytosolic calcium in consequence of extracellular calcium influx induces acrosomal exocytosis. It has been reported that progesterone is capable of inducing mammalian sperm AR. Several authors insisted that the agent, which was so far understood to bind with intracellular receptor, might act as an agonist against cell surface r-aminobutyric acid with type A (GABA A) receptor. The mode of action is, however, still in controversy. To investigate whether progesterone-induced AR is mediated by GABA A receptor, the present study examined pharmacologically the actions of progesterone on the morphological changes of acrosome and calcium mobilization during human sperm AR. Progesterone (15 muM) stimulated AR and increased cytosolic calcium, and the AR rate was further promoted by the coexistence of GABA A(15muM). Then these phenomena were suppressed by an antagonist of GABA receptor (bicuculline, 10 muM), a blocker of GABA A receptor-coupled chloride channel (picrotoxin, 200 muM) and an antagonist of receptor operated calcium channel (Lantan, 250 muM), respectively. These results indicated that the complex work of GABA A receptor-chloride channel and receptor operated calcium channel might participate in progesterone-induced AR and the transient increase of cytosolic calcium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have established a Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbil model, following Hirayama's method, to clarify gastric diseases associated with H. pylori infection. We administered the culture broth of H. pylori ATCC 43504 orally to 8-week-old male Mongolian gerbils. Alter H. pylori inoculation, the gerbils were fed in a vinyl isolator. Subsequently, over the course of 48 weeks, they were killed for histopathological examination, H. pylori culture, and serum antibody measurement. H. pylori colonization in the glandular stomach was seen in all the infected gerbils, but .only a few H. pylori were detected histologically. The serum antibody titer in the H. pylori-inoculated group increased gradually in comparison with controls. Acute inflammation, immature epithelium, and erosion were observed 2 weeks after H. pylori infection. Chronic inflammation was noted from 4 weeks after H. pylori infection. We also found intestinal metaplasia and gastric ulcers from 12 and 24 weeks after inoculation, respectively. Some histological findings were similar to those in humans, but the chronic inflammation in the gerbils was present mainly in the deep mucosa and submucosa. This appears to be a good animal model for H. pylori-associated gastric diseases and it may be useful for investigating the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Three patients with clinically different severities of vitamin D-dependent rickets, type II, with alopecia, which is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-receptor-defect rickets and is particularly resistant to treatment with calciferol analogues, were treated with large doses of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D[sub 3] (1 alpha-(OH)D[sub 3]) and 2 g of calcium lactate. Except for the alopecia, all of the abnormalities of patients 1 and 2 were reversed by treatment with 3 micro g/ kg/d of 1 alpha-(OH)D[sub 3], and those of patient 3, who had the severest manifestations, were reversed by treatment with 6/micro g/kg/d. The serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations of the three patients were low before treatment and those of patients 1 and 2 increased during treatment. These findings suggest that in patients 1 and 2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase was stimulated via a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-receptor-mediated system by treatment with 1 alpha-(OH)Ds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb/sub 3/Sn superconductors have been fabricated using Nb/sub 6/Sn/sub 5/ intermediate compound powder synthesized by a melt diffusion process. The mixed powder of Nb/sub 6/Sn/sub 5/ and Nb was encased in a Ta tube, and then fabricated into a tape without intermediate annealing. A Cu sheath with a Ta barrier was also used for the fabrication. The Nb/sub 3/Sn tape shows a B/sub c1/ of 24.7 T at 4.2 K after the reaction at 900/spl deg/C. In addition the B/sub c2/ increased further by Ti doping. Moreover, the addition of 0.5-1.0 wt% Ge produces appreciable improvements in Tc and Jc at high magnetic fields. A Jc (Nb/sub 3/Sn) of 2.7/spl times/10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/ has been obtained at 21 T and 4.2 K in the Ge-doped specimen. A small amount of Cu addition decreases the optimum reaction temperature to 800-850/spl deg/C. Present Nb/sub 3/Sn conductors seem to be useful for NMR high-field magnets as well as for refrigerator-cooled superconducting magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We report the dependence of the vortex penetration on the number and positions of surface defects in mesoscopic superconducting squares. The vortex penetration is detected by the change in the transport properties of small tunnel junctions attached to the sample (small-tunnel-junction method). We find that for vorticities L =0 and 1, a defect at the center of a side facilitate the vortex penetration, while a defect at a corner does not affect the vortex penetration field. For higher vorticities, the influence of defects becomes complicated, indicating that not only the existence of surface defects but also the vortex arrangement influences the vortex penetration. Simple explanation for this mesoscopic vortex penetration effect is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the identification of alternatively expressed HLA allele C*07:02:01:17N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article was to explore the application and interpretation of indigenous stories introduced in 2015–2017 in relation to the identity and leadership (well-being elements) of players and coaches of a men's provincial rugby team in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). The study utilised a Kaupapa Māori case study approach and indigenous forms of storytelling (pūrākau, whakataukī) to encourage participants to share their narratives and experiences of how the inclusion of Māori knowledge in a team context influenced their sense of identity and leadership and thus well-being on and off the field. Semi-structured, one-on-one, interviews alongside focus group discussions generated the data (narratives) collected. Data were thematically analysed, utilising aspects of an indigenous model of Health Promotion known as Te Pae Māhutonga. Specifically, the cultural identity affirmation (Mauri Ora) and leadership (Ngā Manukura) elements were illustrated as these were applicable to high performance sport contexts. Analysis revealed that the team narrative, values and expectations were enhanced by embracing Māori stories (pūrākau) and symbols. In particular, this enhanced the cultural identity, sense of belonging, leadership and well-being of a number of team members on and off-field. Neither the players nor coaches disclosed any negative impacts to their well-being from incorporating indigenous storytelling (pūrākau, whakataukī) into their team building practices and culture. Sport-related research and practices that are informed by indigenous knowledge and values can benefit the well-being of indigenous people (in this case Māori), collectives (rugby team) and individuals (researchers, players and coaches). Further research exploring how indigenous knowledge is integrated into sport-related contexts is needed to understand whether the well-being of a wider range of teams and individuals (women, non-indigenous) may benefit from the inclusion of indigenous knowledge, values and practices. • New and novel research (building upon the existing scholarship). • Kaupapa Māori methods (indigenous research methods; pūrākau). • Introduces new innovations into ethno-cultural inclusion in sport (Rugby). • Provides recent, specific, examples of the impact this has upon holistic well-being. • Discusses the impact that these practices could have for settings outside rugby/sport. • Responsive to calls from the field for empirical and theoretical research to include the often silenced voices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-layer cold storage method (TLM) allows sufficient oxygen delivery to pancreata during preservation and resuscitates the viability of ischemically damaged pancreata. This study determined the effect of additional preservation of ischemically damaged human pancreata by the TLM before islet isolation. Human pancreata were procured from cadaveric organ donors and preserved by the TLM for 3.2 ± 0.5 hours (mean ± SEM) at 4 °C after 11.1 ± 0.9 hours of cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution (UW) (TLM group), or by cold UW alone for 11.0 ± 0.3 hours (UW group). Islet isolations of all pancreata were performed using the Edmonton protocol. Islet recovery and in vitro function of isolated islets were significantly increased in the TLM group compared with the UW group. In the metabolic assessment of human pancreata, ATP levels were significantly increased after the TLM preservation. This study showed that additional short-term preservation by the TLM resuscitates the viability of ischemically damaged human pancreata before islet isolation, leading to improvements in islet recovery and in vitro function of isolated islets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents an abstract related to the study of the synapse formation by ATP and developmental modification of neuronal networks by GABA-nergic inputs in rats. Microtubule associated protein 1 B was identified as one of the substrates and its amino acid sequence is homologous to a proteoglycan-core protein, with one transniembrane region.

Abstract: In the present study, both potentiation and depression of the synaptic response were induced in hippocampal CA1 neurons by systematically varying the frequency of low frequency afferent stimulation (LFS) between 0.5 and 25 Hz and the pulse number between 40 and 1000. The input–response relationship for CA1 synapses showed that LFS at a higher frequency or with a smaller pulse number increased the magnitude of potentiation of the synaptic response by increasing the contribution of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) to induction of potentiation. One possible mechanism for this bidirectional plasticity was that specific patterns of LFS differentially activate a uniform receptor population in producing depression or potentiation of synaptic responses. However, a pharmacological study indicated that, despite their opposite effects, both the synaptic depression induced by LFS at 1 Hz and the synaptic potentiation induced by LFS at 10 Hz were triggered by co-activation of NMDARs and mGluRs at CA1 synapses. We suggest that activation of protein kinase C or inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, both coupled to group 1 mGluRs, is involved in the bidirectional synaptic plasticity induced in hippocampal CA1 neurons by 1–10 Hz LFS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study that examined the reduction of the susceptibility of commercial silicon on insulator to radiation effects by using a rad-hard circuit design based on a mixed-mode three-dimensional simulation. Assessment of the resistive and capacitive feedback hardening method; Comparison between simulated cross-section curves and their corresponding measured curves; Analysis of key electrical performances of static random access memory cells.

The mechanism of ATP-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) was studied pharmacologically using guinea-pig hippocampal slices. LTP, induced in CA1 neurons by 10 min application of 10 μM ATP, was blocked by co-application of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (5 or 50 μM). In ATP-induced LTP, the delivery of test synaptic inputs (once every 20 s) to CA1 neurons could be replaced by co-application of NMDA (100 nM) during ATP perfusion. These results suggest that, in CA1 neurons, a co-operative effect between extracellular ATP and activation of NMDA receptors is required to trigger the process involved in ATP-induced LTP. In addition, ATP-induced LTP was blocked by co-application of an ecto-protein kinase inhibitor, K-252b (40 or 200 nM), whereas a P2X purinoceptor antagonist, pyridoxal phosphate 6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid 4-sodium (50 μM), or a P2Y purinoceptor antagonist, basilen blue (10 μM), had no effect.The results of the present study, therefore, indicate that the mechanisms of ATP-induced LTP involve the modulation of NMDA receptors/Ca2+ channels and the phosphorylation of extracellular domains of synaptic membrane proteins, one of which could be the NMDA receptor/Ca2+ channel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have previously found by NMR and CD spectroscopic studies that the helical content of the sodium channel inactivation gate-related peptide (Ac-GGQDIFMTEEQK-NH[sub 2]; MP-1A) in 80% trifluoroethanol solutions was increased by adding a pentapeptide, KIFMK. In order to study in further detail whether the presence of the IFM motif and the two lysine residues is a prerequisite for stabilizing the helical conformation, we examined interactions between various oligopeptides (RIFMR, KIFMTK, KIQMK, KAFAK, KIIIK) and MP-1A and its related peptides; that is, MP-2A in which Phe was replaced by Gln, MP-1MMA in which Thr was replaced by Met, MP-1TA in which Thr was removed from MP-1A, and MP-1A′ in which l-Phe was replaced by d-Phe. It was found that the IFM motif was absolutely necessary in both the oligopeptide and the inactivation gate peptide. This finding means that hydrophobic interactions are operative between KIFMK and MP-1A. In contrast, KIFMK destabilized the helical structure of MP-1MMA, MP-1TA, and MP-1A′, showing that the conformation around the IFM motif in the inactivation gate peptides is an important factor. It was concluded that the IFM motif and the two Lys residues are a prerequisite for effectively stabilizing the α-helix of MP-1A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The two cytoplasmic linkers connecting segment S4 and segment S5 (S4-S5 linker) of both domain III (III/S4-S5) and IV (IV/S4-S5) of the sodium channel α-subunit are considered to work as a hydrophobic receptor for the inactivation particle because of the three hydrophobic amino acids of Ile-Phe-Met (IFM motif) in the III-IV linker of the sodium channel α-subunit. To date, the solution structures of the peptides related to III/S4-S5 (MP-D3: A1325-M1338) and IV/S4-S5 (MP-D4: T1648-L1666) of human brain sodium channels have been investigated using CD and [sup 1]H NMR spectroscopies. SDS micelles were employed as a solvent. The micelles mimic either biological membranes or the interior of a protein and can be a relevant environment at the inactivated state of the channels. It was found that the secondary structures of both MP-D3 and MP-D4 assume α-helical conformations around the N-terminal half-side of the sequences, i.e. the residues between V1326 and L1331 in MP-D3 and between L1650 and S1656 in MP-D4. Residue A1329 in MP-D3, which is considered to interact with F1489 of the IFM motif, was found to be located within the α-helix. Residues F1651, M1654, M1655, L1657 and A1669 in MP-D4, which also play an important role in inactivation, formed a hydrophobic cluster on one side of the helix. This cluster was concluded to interact with the hydrophobic cluster due to the III-IV linker before the inactivation gate closes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote radiation protection and health promotion among returning residents (returnees) in coastal areas of Fukushima, eHealth principles were used to develop a new application tool (app) that can record radiation exposure and health status while providing comprehensive support to returnees. Intended users are returnees and health and welfare workers. After assessing their needs, a flowchart and prototype for operational logic were created using commercially available software tools. Professional developers will focus on improving the user interface and ensuring data security. The finished app will be compatible with mobile telephones and tablets. Utility and ease of use are paramount to serve returnees of all ages effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated regional right ventricular wall motion during systole in patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) using color kinesis imaging. Color kinesis images were obtained in a subcostal sagittal view from 19 patients with repaired TOF (TOF group), aged 3 to 5 years, and 20 age-matched normal subjects (control group). For regional wall motion analysis, the endocardial motion distance and the fractional area change (FAC) were calculated for 6 segments obtained from color kinesis images. The endocardial inward excursion distances and the FACs in the upper, middle, and lower posterior segments of the TOF group were significantly greater than those of the control group (p <0.01 for each segment). The upper anterior segment showed significantly reduced inward excursion distance and FAC in the TOF group than in the control group (p <0.01, both). The dyskinetic outward excursion distances of the middle and lower posterior segments were significantly lower in the TOF group than in the control group (p <0.01, both). In the upper and middle anterior segments, the endocardial outward excursion distances were significantly higher in the TOF group than in the control group (p <0.01 and 0.05). Correlation between right ventriculographic and color kinesis measurements was excellent (y = 1.14x - 1.30, r = 0.87 for the endocardial inward excursion, and y = 1.03x +/- 0.56, r = 0.91 for the FAC). In conclusion, color kinesis is a useful method for assessing regional right ventricular wall motion. Segmental analysis of color kinesis images provides accurate, automated, and quantitative diagnosis of regional right ventricular wall motion abnormalities in patients with surgically repaired TOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an alternative to suture ligatures of the vessels, an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS) was recently developed. Meanwhile, ultrasonic coagulating shears (UCS) have been widely used clinically to provide hemostatic cutting in laparoscopic procedures. We conducted a comparative study to investigate the relative advantages of these two instruments.Methods: The study included 30 patients with colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic colectomy using either the EBVS or the UCS. We performed a comparative analysis of the instruments by viewing videotapes showing their application in laparoscopic transverse colectomy and sigmoidectomy.Results: Average patient age was 71.6 +/- 1.4 years. Average hospital stay was 14.2 +/- 1.0 days. There were no statistical differences between the groups in age and hospital stay. The incidence of rebleeding was significantly lower in the EBVS group than in the UCS group for both surgical procedures (0.3 vs 1.2 in transverse colectomy, 0.3 vs 2.0 in sigmoidectomy, respectively). In addition, the required time for mesocolon dissection was also significantly shorter when the EBVS was used in both laparoscopic transverse colectomy and sigmoidectomy (7.9 vs 18.4, 15.0 vs 27.6, respectively).Conclusion: The use of the EBVS will enable surgeons to reduce the total operating time for laparoscopic colectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which examined room temperature stimulated emission in multipole-quantum-well structure. Information on the metal organic chemical vapor deposition and molecular beam epitaxy of heterostructures; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.